State-Level Implementation of Health and Safety Policies to Prevent Sudden Death and Catastrophic Injuries Within Secondary School Athletics: Response

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
William M. Adams, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: We read with attentiveness the letter to the editor regarding our recently published article,1 and we thank the authors for sharing their thoughts. As in every study, there are limitations; however, we also wish to express urgency for the implementation of the 2013 best-practice recommendations for preventing sudden death in secondary school athletics.5 The letter to the editor calls into question the methodological approach used in our study, indicating that it undermines the subsequent conclusions—a statement with which we strongly disagree. The rubric was developed to assess health and safety policies at the secondary school level and was derived from “The Inter-Association Task Force for Preventing Sudden Death in Secondary School Athletics Programs: Best-Practices Recommendations,”5 which is fully endorsed by 14 medical and sport organizations, including the National Federation of State High School Associations, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Korey Stringer Institute, Matthew A. Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, National Council on Strength and Fitness, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and National Strength and Conditioning Association.5 Furthermore, accompanying position statements,2,4,8,9 consensus statements,3,12 and interassociation task force documents6,7,10 were also used to ensure that rubric contained the most current evidence-based best practices for preventing the leading causes of sudden death and catastrophic injury in sport and physical activity.

Additional Information

Publication
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018;6(2):2325967117752129
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
sudden cardiac death, exertional heat stroke, traumatic head injuries, emergency action plans, preparticipation examination

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